HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1095

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Passed Legislature

Title: An act relating to protecting children and animals from poisoning by antifreeze products.

Brief Description: Concerning antifreeze products.

Sponsors: Representatives Appleton, Pollet and Peterson.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Business & Financial Services: 1/24/17, 1/25/17 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 2/27/17, 79-17.

Passed House: 1/24/18, 80-16.

Passed Senate: 2/27/18, 38-11.

Passed Legislature.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Eliminates the exemption from adding a bittering agent for wholesale containers of 55 gallons or more of engine coolant or antifreeze.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS & FINANCIAL SERVICES

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Kirby, Chair; Reeves, Vice Chair; Vick, Ranking Minority Member; Walsh, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Barkis, Bergquist, Blake, Jenkin, McCabe, Santos and Stanford.

Staff: Robbi Kesler (786-7153).

Background:

Engine coolant and antifreeze manufactured or distributed in Washington that contains more than 10 percent ethylene glycol must also contain denatonium benzoate, a bittering agent, to render it unpalatable to humans and animals. Manufacturers, packagers, distributors, recyclers, and sellers of engine coolant or antifreeze must comply.

Wholesale containers of 55 gallons or more of engine coolant or antifreeze are exempt from the requirement to add the bittering agent.

Manufacturers, packagers, distributors, recyclers, and sellers are not liable for injury caused by inclusion of the bittering agent. Manufacturers subject to the bittering agent requirement must maintain a record of the trade name, scientific name, and active ingredients of any agent used. This information must be made available to the public upon request.

Summary of Bill:

Wholesale containers of 55 gallons or more of engine coolant or antifreeze are no longer exempt from the requirement to add a bittering agent.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This would prevent animals from consuming poison. Although this may not be an issue people think about regularly, it is important and should be passed.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Kirby.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.